The Bible Tells Me So
Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. (Psalm 19:2)
In several devotions, I stated how impressive it is that documents as old as the Bible remain relevant. Once again, the Old and New Testaments address psychological issues with emotional maturity. Nick Wignall offers “4 Habits Emotionally Strong People Avoid” to dissuade readers from poor decision-making. Wignall names the problem, and I will provide the Biblical and theological imperatives that offer support that brings hope and healing.
Wignall warns us about “1. Ruminating on the past.” He continues, “Rumination is a form of thinking where we repeatedly review and replay previous mistakes or negative events in the past, even though doing so is unhelpful.” I would be a gold medal finalist if ruminating were an Olympic sport. I regularly address obsessively reflecting by writing and putting my thoughts on paper. When I write down, I tell myself I do not need to remember every detail because I can reread my concerns. If there is still something to address, I will write it on my Reminders app to avoid forgetting. Putting the issue in front of me allows my mind to relax. Rumination is a form of anxiety, and I find the most comforting passage for an anxious mind is Philippians 4:6, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”
“2. Worrying about the future.” Worries are those thoughts that have not happened but what we make happen in our minds. Wignall tells us, “Worry gives us the illusion of control.” Working on preparation is honored in our society, but worry is not preparation because it overtakes the mind with unhelpful thoughts that impede our planning. We often address rumination and worry through“3 . Keeping unrealistic expectations.” To overcome our negative thoughts and feelings, we try to create something empowering to earn the respect of others (and ourselves), believing it is the way we can stop fretting. John 14:27, “My peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you. I giveth not as the world does. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
Finally, Wignall warns against “4. Judging yourself for how you feel.” Our thoughts set us up for pain, and then we judge ourselves for struggling. We create an environment where we cannot win. Each of us struggles with these issues somewhere on a continuum. Bring God into the conversation. Prayerfully ask the Holy Spirit to step into your negative thoughts and bring truth and clarity. When we invite God into your thought process, you will feel relief and clarity of thought and action. Romans 8:1, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” You can feel contentment and confidence again, “The Bible tells me so.”